When celebrities show bad behavior, often in the full glare of the media spotlight, it’s a little like watching a slow-motion car crash – we know we should turn away, but we just can’t. So what’s behind these public outbursts? Look no further than their astrology sign to help explain…

Are the Miley Cyruses and Mel Gibsons of the entertainment world true to their astrology signs? Yes, to a certain extent.

Celebrity bad behavior can be rooted in the stars. Here’s our guide to the type of tantrums we can expect from celebrities under each sign.

Aries celebrity bad behavior (March 21 – April 19)
Even on a good day, Aries finds it hard to walk the line between assertiveness and aggression, so it’s no surprise that Aries celebrities can become known for their foul tempers. An Aries sees the world in quite simplistic, black and white terms. If you’re not for them, you’re against them – there’s no middle ground. They’re also not bothered about what others think of them, and are quite happy to scream and shout in public.

To be fair, sometimes the anger is triggered by the Arian desire to protect their loved ones – Alec Baldwin, for example, has a history of Twitter fights and scuffles with photographers and those he believes are harassing him or his family. Other times, though, it’s just plain scary behavior – such as Shannon Doherty’s gunpoint threats against her ex-fiancé, or her highly publicized bar fight with actress Bonita Money.

Personifying Arian ego in action, actor Russell Crowe is known for his on-set outbursts, particularly when he believes a scene is beneath him – because fundamentally with Aries, it’s all about “me, me, me.”

Taurus celebrity bad behavior (April 20 – May 20)
By and large, Taurus people are relatively placid and kind. This sign does have a darker side, however. A Taurus can be very possessive and controlling when life doesn’t go his or her way. It may take a while for problems to emerge, but bubbling under the surface is quite a temper. When it does burst through, it’s typically followed by remorse, but Taurus can go through many such cycles before finally learning a lesson.

Chris Brown, for example, was reported as having said in April 2013 that he’d finally learned that beating a woman was wrong – four years after his infamous assault on Rihanna. Basketball bad boy Dennis Rodman has also been in trouble with the law multiple times for spousal abuse issues.

Taurean violent outbursts are relatively rare, however. As Rihanna said of Brown, “He's a good person. He has a fantastic heart. He's giving and loving. And he's fun to be around.” It’s often all roses, until something snaps.

Gemini celebrity bad behavior (May 21 – June 20)
When Gemini celebrities act up, more often than not it’s with words rather than with physical violence. Gemini is the consummate communicator, and this sign knows more than most how words have a power all their own. It’s also quite easy for Gemini to lie and dupe others with their charm, so this sign is the home of con-artists and thieves. When Gemini loses it, it’s often over something relatively minor.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell has a long history of diva-like behavior, including verbal and physical abuse on assistants, in some cases triggered by something as simple as not being able to find a pair of jeans. She also was called to give evidence at the war crimes trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor, having allegedly received blood diamonds from him under somewhat shady and unclear circumstances.

Perhaps the most typical Gemini bad behavior, however, comes from comedian Russell Brand. Known for his controversial humor, he also has recently become well known for turning the tables on interviewers, leaving them humiliated and defeated as he talks his way to victory.

Cancer celebrity bad behavior (June 21 – July 22)
Cancer is a sweet, loving and gentle sign – most of the time. However, Cancers often struggle with depression, and in the high-pressure celebrity world, that can lead to addiction issues. Known also for mood swings and psychotic behavior, Cancer actually accounts for a higher proportion of serial killers than any other sign – surprising, perhaps, unless you actually live with a Cancer, in which case, possibly not.

Not in the realm of serial killers, but troubled nonetheless, Lindsay Lohan has shown classic Cancerian celebrity bad behavior. “The Canyons” director Paul Schrader said this year of her: “In the past 16 months, I have been hostage to Lindsay Lohan. She is a great actress, she should be here, but her behavior is unspeakable.”

Struggling with sobriety issues, Lohan’s checkered past is typical of how Cancer can go off the rails. Similarly, David Hasselhoff, shamed in a leaked video of him in a drunken stupor in 2007, has ongoing battles with alcoholism which affect his work and celebrity status. Once Cancer has a problem, depressive cycles and emotional hurts make it difficult to resolve.

Leo celebrity bad behavior (July 23 – Aug. 22)
This sign has perhaps the biggest ego of all the star signs, so it’s no surprise that celebrity bad behavior Leo-style tends to show itself most when that ego is threatened. This is typical “Don’t you know who I am?” behavior at its worst.

Madonna and Sean Penn were a double Leo couple whose joint bad behavior in the ‘80s regularly made the headlines; 30 years later, Madonna is still “difficult” by all accounts, and her bored and superior attitude in interviews has been remarked upon recently. At an Oscars party this year, guests were reportedly infuriated by her rude and egotistical behavior – this is one Leo who’s not willing to accept that these days, there may be bigger stars in the room.

Another Leo who found himself in trouble over ego is “Seinfeld’s” Michael Richards. In 2006, he let loose a racist tirade at hecklers in a comedy club, an incident which still haunts him today. Richards explained that he was trying to defuse the heckling by being even more outrageous, and it backfired – that’s what happens when Leo ego gets in the way.

Virgo celebrity bad behavior (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Ah, Virgo. Quiet, modest and definitely not the party type – right? How can Virgo celebrities get themselves into trouble? Ironically, given that this is the sign of the virgin, it’s often trouble with sex that thrusts these celebrities into the wrong kind of limelight. Virgo has a hidden sexuality which can border on the perverse, and it’s also quite a secretive sign.

Hugh Grant was famous for his image as a proper, polite, educated English gentleman – very Virgo – until 1995, when he was caught in compromising circumstances with a prostitute, and received two years’ probation. Incidentally, Grant’s grumpiness, criticism of the movie industry and sarcasm are also Virgo traits.

Charlie Sheen is another Virgo celebrity whose increasingly erratic behavior has often involved prostitutes and porn stars. If they’re not in trouble over sex, it’s usually drugs. Virgo, for all its health-conscious image, tends to get addicted to substances easily – particularly prescription drugs or painkillers, as in the case of Virgo Michael Jackson.

Libra celebrity bad behavior (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
Libras are generally being polite and diplomatic, and avoid conflict at all costs. When Libra celebrities behave badly, we often notice because of their rudeness or undiplomatic approach.

Take rapper Eminem, for example. He raps about things we don’t like to talk about in polite company. And while that’s a form of art, it doesn’t do many favors for women, in particular, and could be seen as normalizing abusive behavior. A perfect example of the shock factor when Libra behaves badly was Eminem’s ESPN interview this September, in which he appeared vague and distracted and openly stated that he was uncomfortable – the interview was so unexpected that it gave him huge publicity.

Simon Cowell is another Libra celebrity who gets our attention precisely for behaving in a very un-Libra like way. His callous, unkind and caustic comments to contestants on “American Idol” and “X Factor” make us cringe – but keep us watching just the same. When Libra gets rude, the Libra celebrity’s bank balance goes up.

Scorpio celebrity bad behavior (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
When Scorpio celebrities turn bad, it’s usually to do with power or control. Scorpios absolutely need to control others, and taking away that control can lead to extremely passionate outbursts and the unleashing of a temper which can rival even that of Aries.

Top among badly-behaved Scorpio celebrities must be chef Gordon Ramsay, who’s now arguably more famous for his foul-mouthed outbursts than for his food. Ramsay maintains that his no-nonsense attitude is necessary to run a good kitchen, and indeed his perfectionism is another Scorpio trait. It doesn’t take much for those Ramsay works with to feel the heat of his tongue, particularly if he asks them to do something and they fail – it’s the control factor again. He needs to be boss, and if he isn’t, his rage erupts.

Ironically, when celebrity Scorpios don’t behave badly, they’re ridiculed for that too – take Anne Hathaway, for example – widely loathed for no apparent reason other than for being too perfect and, by and large, well-behaved!

Sagittarius celebrity bad behavior (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
This sign really doesn’t care what you think. Sagittarius celebs don’t either – or do they? Generally friendly, gregarious and free-spirited, Sagittarius is generally content to do their own thing, but when celebrity strikes, they seem to develop a strong need for attention.

Take Britney Spears and her 2007 meltdown and head-shaving incident. In Spear’s case, her erratic behavior seems to coincide with the end of relationships, and indeed, she’s reportedly in trouble again after ending of her engagement to Jason Trawick. Independent-minded though Sagittarius is, a Sagittarius in trouble needs someone to lean on.

The most recent Sagittarius behaving badly is Miley Cyrus, whose outrageous twerking performance on the MTV Video Music Awards was widely greeted with shock and disbelief. Despite those who believe she’s being manipulated by the music industry, Sagittarius lives by its own rules, regardless of whether society approves or not – Cyrus is probably entirely in control of her actions, and simply doesn’t care whether we approve or disapprove.

Capricorn celebrity bad behavior (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
Capricorn is an authoritative sign, and they generally believe that they’re in charge and answer to nobody. When Capricorn celebrities behave badly, there’s often an element of this at work, with the celebrity thinking that they’re above the law or entitled to behave how they please.

Jude Law is a good example of this – not only did he have a much publicized affair with his children’s nanny, but he’s widely considered to be quite arrogant, and acts superior.

Having all of the answers is another Capricorn trait, and this one is illustrated well by Mel Gibson. Known for his ultra-conservative stance and staunch traditional Catholic beliefs, Gibson has been very outspoken in the past, holding some extreme views. He has been accused of anti-Semitism, particularly following “The Passion of the Christ,” but he’s largely unapologetic over his views – in this way, he exhibits some of the typical Capricorn-gone-bad traits of dogmatism and bigotry.

Aquarius celebrity bad behavior (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
Known as the rebel of the zodiac, Aquarius routinely breaks the rules. Aquarius celebrities tend to go off the wall in a fairly dramatic style, therefore, since they have so much to live up to!

Celebrities such as Paris Hilton find themselves defined by the mistakes they’ve made – in Hilton’s case, her infamous love life and sex tapes – rather than by their talent, which no doubt infuriates them.

Christian Bale is another Aquarius celebrity who has a reputation for being “difficult,” even among his own family – and his foul-mouthed tirade against a cinematographer during the filming of “Terminator Salvation” became an Internet sensation and further underlined his status as a difficult actor.

When life doesn’t go how Aquarius wants it to, this sign has a tendency to throw its toys on the floor and sulk. Remember John McEnroe’s well-documented tantrums and bad boy antics at the height of his tennis prowess in the 80s – another example of a celebrity’s poor behavior overshadowing their talent.

Pisces celebrity bad behavior (Feb. 19 – March 20)
Pisces is a gentle, mystical sign, and perhaps the sign least well-equipped of all to handle the stresses of fame and celebrity. These sensitive people always seek the line of least resistance, and are easily susceptible to negative escapism – particularly to drugs and alcohol.

Those who’ve experienced fame at a young age are especially vulnerable to this – Justin Bieber’s behavior, for example, has become increasingly unstable recently, and he has chosen some unwise company, mixing with stars known to be involved with drugs. In August this year, his and his entourage’s luggage were searched by sniffer dogs, after police responded to a tip-off. They found nothing, but concerns remain over this young star’s future.

Drew Barrymore is another Pisces whose fame at a young age caused notorious problems with drugs and alcohol. Happily, most Pisces celebrities eventually sort themselves out, but for the unfortunate few who don’t, what starts as bad behavior can turn to tragedy – as in the sad case of Kurt Cobain, whose final years were marred by heroin addiction and depression before his suicide in 1994.

Kelli Fox is a certified astrologer, co-founder of The Astrologer Inc. (www.theastrologer.com) and Lifescript horoscope expert. Kelli is a member the American Federation of Astrologers, National Council for Geocosmic Research and International Society for Astrological Research. In 1995, Kelli founded Astrology.com, which became the largest astrology website. She currently publishes daily horoscopes and planetary updates, annual forecasts and compatibility reports for The Astrologer and her iPhone app, "Today's Horoscope."